If you’re ever dreamt of staring deep into an animal’s eyes, and have its soul speak to yours, then the below places will definitely fulfil your dreams of being a modern day Snow White!
1. Cheetahs
Where: Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center and Animal Hospital, Plettenberg Bay
Cost: R580 per person
Time: 07:30 – 09:00 / 16:30 – 18:00
The TravelGround content team spent a fun-filled morning at the Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center, and experiencing and getting to write about the sunrise cheetah walk was one of the top highlights of this experience! You will be taken out with a guide, and given the opportunity to hold the cheetah leash as they (technically) walk you around. It is a great exercise for you and the cheetah (just remember to drop the lead if they decide to sprint). Getting to touch the cheetah and feel their deep, rumbling purr reverberate up your arm is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Find out more.
2. Elephants
Where: The Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay
Cost: R475 per adult per walk / R225 per child (4 – 14)
Time: 07:30 – 15:30
At the Elephant Sanctuary, which has 3 branches across South Africa, you have the chance to walk, feed, ride, and touch these majestic grey mammals, at varying rates. The TravelGround content team highly recommends this, as we’ve done it and loved it. Read about our elephant adventure here! For those interested, guests have the option to purchase a customized DVD of your visit, so you can relive the memories made and share them with friends and family. The elephant walk takes approximately 1 hour to complete, and the feeding of the elephants after the walk is incredible!
3. Giraffes
Where: Rhino River Lodge, Hluhluwe
Cost: Included in accommodation price
Time: 05:30 – 17:00
Set in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve is the Big 5 safari Rhino River Lodge which offers guided walks and game drives to guests, who delight in experiencing the wildlife all around them. Game drives and walks give guests the chance to spot giraffes, rhinos, zebras, elephants, leopards, kudus, lions, warthogs, wildebeests, and buffalos, and sightings are exceptionally good all year round. Book a stay with them to enjoy a full weekend adventure! Guided bush walks for groups of 6 are held in the early mornings and late afternoons, taking on average 2.5 hours to complete.
4. Monkeys
Where: Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay
Cost:R160 per adult / R80 per child (3 – 12)
Time: 08:00 – 17:00
While on a safari at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, you’ll definitely experience a thrill while walking amongst 10 different kinds of monkey species in their vast and beautiful home. Monkeyland is special, as it is not only the largest free-roaming primate sanctuary in the world it is also home to the longest canopy bridge in South Africa. Pay close attention to the fascinating facts that your guide will divulge about our primate cousins, and remember the golden rule: do not interact with the monkeys as it must be their choice whether or not to interact with you! Tours run daily, and depart from reception every half hour. Refuel on coffee and burgers at The Blue Monkey Café, and if you can, visit Birds of Eden, which lies adjacent to Monkeyland. Combo passes are available to both parks. The TravelGround Content Team was lucky enough to spot the elusive and shy Spectacled Langur monkey during our time on-site; read our reviews of Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.
5. Ostriches
Where: Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn
Cost: R235 per adult / R160 children aged 6 – 12
Time: 08:00 – 16:00
At Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, which has been trading in ostriches for well over 100 years, you can definitely expect your highlight to be riding, feeding, or walking one of these fine feathered fowls. The Traditional Ostrich Tour caters for the whole family, and includes a trip to a breeding camp, learning about an ostrich’s anatomy, feeding the ostriches, and ending off by watching the illustrious ostrich derby*. A 3-course meal at the Pepper Tree restaurant is included in the price. In fact, why not make a weekend of it and stay over at their Mooiplaas cottage or De Denne Country Guest House!
*Please note no rides or races will be conducted if the temperature exceeds 32°C.
Which of the above experiences have you enjoyed or hope to?
